Review Summary: "Remember" is good, but it's still very average compared to the band's older work. I liked the album, but I must admit I'm more relieved than impressed as to how it turned out.
REVISED:
"KoRn III" was marketed to make us think we were getting more of that raw feeling that was "Life is Peachy" - but we're really just getting a softer and more well polished "Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses" - with 'F' words. Most of the songs on the record follow the same structural formula of exciting beginnings, forgettable bridges and humdrum endings. Cuts like Pop a Pill and Let the Guilt Go are heavy, radio-friendly songs - but they drag on too long. The album's better songs all pack a punch but ultimately only match the weaker songs of their "Vol. 1 Greatest Hits Album."
As for Jonathan Davis, this is among his softer work. The songs are well written, but he's clearly better than this. Ross Robinson is a challenging producer who enjoys tapping into the hearts of musicians for passion and emotion - and yet nothing is really thought provoking or even aggressive about these songs. Only Ray Luzier, a great up and coming drummer, provided the most energetic music on the record. The absence of Head is also too noticeable as no song on the album seems to possess a second guitar part (for harmony or lead) - but then, I guess that's the point of recording a four-piece set. Still, the band manages to salvage of bit of atmosphere from the music as fans will undoubtedly be reminded of the days of yonder.
"Remember Who You Are" is a solid metal project that grew on me, but it's not like you HAVE to buy the record. Korn had the right idea signing with Roadrunner Records and Matrix with their previous two efforts. I really hope the band explores some fresh territory for their next album because even though KoRn III is cool, the band is still better. For all it's worth, though, I wasn't let down. I got exactly what I wanted - which was an entertaining throwback to the old days of KoRn.
